Institute Rally Held At Shannon

Chronicle (Levin), 8 April 1948, Page 3

Institute Rally Held At Shannon

Mrs. W. Easton (president, Shannon) presided over a. successful rally of the Mana whenua Groupof Women's Institutes hel-d in the Druids' Hall, Shannon, on Wednesday. ' Large numbers of ' members from the Foxton, Opiki, Tokomaru and Shannon Institutes were present, and an apology for absence was received from Linton, who were prevented from attendance by lack of transport. Commencing the .meeting at 10.45 a.m. business was soon under way and it was with regret that It was learned that Koputaroa, having joined the South Wellington; Group, was now not a member of "the Manawhenua Group. It was resolve-d that a letter he writt'en them expressing regret and thanking them for all they had contributed to the group during their membership. The financial position was shown to Le only satisfactory and institutes were asked to give thoughts to the matter. A handsome silver cup purchased since the last rally, and to be used as the trophy for the entertainment competition, was approved by the meeting, the convener being congratulated on her choice. The place an'd time of the next meeting was set for Foxton on the last Wednesday in August. It wats agreed that after this year the meeting should revert. back to the last Wednesday in February and July as in previous years. The entertainment competition question brought forth many » suggestions : and it was agreed by vote on ' a "mime" 15' minutes or less. The banner competition is to be set by the hostess institute as usual, The banner competition for the meeting, a "ginger bread cake to a set recipe," was not very largely entered for but the judge awarded Mrs. Tricker (Shannon) first, Mrs. A. Richards (Shannon) second, and Mrs. S. Pedersen (Shannon) third. Thus was the banner securely won by Shannon. Unfortunately only two teams entered for the marching teams for ihe silver cup and judging V was quite difficult, only a small margin dividing them. Shannon was judged the winner, securing the cup, and Opiki won the trophy for the best costume. Some ingenuity was displayed in the cos- 1 tumes which had' to cost no more than 5s each.- Opiki had dyed flour bags and made smart orange jackets over green pleated skirts, while Shannon 'fiad black striped, white coat. lining made: with- plain bodice and pleated* skirt; with shoulder epaulettes fringed with black wool. Both teams *wore Glenglanry caps to liiatch and all proved that attractive costumes - peed. not-. be necessarily expensivet '• . ■ Miss Ireland, a secretdry . fforfi1 the Cana'dian Diplomatic Offi ce? Wellington, was the guest speakef and she gave a most interesting and instructive talk on the Women's Institute from its inception at

Stoney .Creek, Canida, just over 50 years. ago, up to the present time. Miss Ireland. and her assistant then shbwed * two"'. ' * beautiful films (coloured) of Canada, one bf settjements',' citifes: and industries along the banks of rthe St. Lawrence River, And the other of the' salmon fishing industry and the life-cycle of the salrfion. t • ; ' ' At the iiavitation , of the meeting the . pupils of - StAndards 5 and 6 of. the loeal school were present under: the controi of their teachers, Messrs. -Burtt and- Aitchison. Before leaving Mr.- Burtt v(headmaster) thanked the .institutes and Miss Ireland' j for giving the pupils the opportUnity to be present. During the .. Af ternoon opportunity .was ta&en - to present some beautiful flowers to Miss Treland, Mrs. Kernohan (Manawatu Federation) , Mrs. 3?ene (Koputaroa) , Mrs. D. Fitzgerald (convener) and Mrs. W. Easton .(chairwoman) . In retuming thanks . Miss Ireland said that one of the thlngk visitors from overseas noticed first in New Zealand was the abundance of beautiful flowers. On belialf of the gathering Mrs. Pene expressed thanks to the visitors for their most interesting talk and films and said, "especially. do Ve remember how Canada entertained our servicemen duiing -their stay over there and we want you to convey to Canada our heartfelt thanks." Mr. Burtt who had spent much time training the marching team/;:was the recipient of a small (pres^ation as£a mark of appreciatlon. . v-r '